JEFFREY Leigh-Jones was planning a trip to the South Pole when he stumbled across a life coaching and mentoring organisation.
However, his involvement in the group ruined his life, and caused his girlfriend to get in contact with the BBC in a desperate attempt to find answers. Here's what we know.
Who is Jeffrey Leigh-Jones?
Jeffrey Leigh-Jones, from Portsmouth, signed up to the life coaching group Lighthouse.
He believed having a mentor would help him to become more disciplined, as he was planning a solo hike to the South Pole.
His life spiralled out of control and he spent huge sums of money during his involvement with the group.
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The group was set up in 2012 by British businessman Paul Waugh.
What happened to Jeffrey Leigh-Jones?
Jeffrey ended up selling his house, and invested £131,000 into the organisation.
This included giving £25,000 to the group in order to have closer involvement with them.
He also became increasingly isolated from his family, spending most of his time on secretive phone calls.
His girlfriend Dawn overheard part of one conversation, where he was told to choose between the group and her.
Is Jeffrey Leigh-Jones still a member of Lighthouse?
Jeffrey is no longer a member of Lighthouse, crediting a trip to see his father in the US as the point at which started seeing things differently.
After he said he wanted to leave, Waugh attempted to keep him hooked by sending a number of messages.
He tried to convince Jeffrey the return on his investment could take up to two years.
Jeffrey asked for a refund but the group said it would be stepping up investigations into him and his girlfriend.
It even went as far as contacting Dawn's workplace, claiming she was a dangerous internet troll.
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When does A Very British Cult air on BBC?
A Very British Cult aired on BBC Three at 9pm on April 5, 2023.
It will air again on April 6, 2023, on BBC One at 11.25pm.
Those who miss the episode can watch it on BBC iPlayer.
